Maiden Voyage (Band Gr. 2.5)

Maiden Voyage tells the thrilling story of a new ship on its first voyage to sea. Written for beginning to intermediate band, this piece is an accessible introduction to playing a piece with multiple movements. Composed with familiar keys and simple rhythms, this piece gives every instrument family a chance to shine.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Sapphire Band Series
Level: 2.5 | Duration: 4:30

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score

Flute
Oboe [optional]
Bassoon [optional]
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani [4 drums]
Bells
Xylophone
Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Crash Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine

Program Notes
Maiden Voyage is a piece for beginning band is the tale of a brand new ship on its first journey into the sea. It is told in four parts, with each part introducing a new theme to go with the setting. The first movement starts with the grand reveal and setting off of the ship. It is reminiscent of the first sailings of ships seen throughout history, with the trumpet fanfares and march-like percussion giving the impression of grandeur and the celebration of the crowds. In the second movement, we see the ship in full steam, churning through the ocean water. The three-four time signature and chromatic notes in the woodwinds combine to evoke feelings of being on the swaying deck of a ship under way. The third movement sees our vessel run into stormy seas, and features a chance for the percussion section to shine. The minor low brass melody is powerful and conveys the fear and danger of the fierce storm the ship is combating. The fourth and final movement has its own theme to start, but as the movement progresses the main themes from the other three movements begin to appear, until versions of all four themes are happening at once. This movement is designed to be easily played by each instrument group, but to bring all of the themes together, just as the ship reaches its final port of call safely.

In addition to being a musical representation of a grand ship’s first voyage, the title is also a reference to this being the composer’s first foray into the realm of concert band music.